A DECISION over a controversial plan to build 450 homes near the South Downs has been deferred, to the delight of campaigners.

A Lewes District Council planning meeting over the Lower Hoddern Farm development in Peacehaven pressed pause on the plan. The council said it was to allow the committee to receive greater clarity on proposed highway improvements.

More than 1,000 residents have objected to the scheme but the site is “allocated” for development in the Lewes Core Strategy and officers had recommended approval, so the delay is a small win for opponents.

The application, submitted in March, seeks full planning consent for 143 homes and outline planning for two later parts of the scheme totalling 307 homes.

Forty per cent of the homes would be affordable meaning 180 flats, starter homes and large family homes being made available for affordable rent or shared equity.

As well as 1,000 residents, objections have come in from the NHS, the Ramblers’ Association and the Peacehaven Focus group.

District and county councillor Nigel Enever received rapturous applause from a hall packed with more than 250 people, when he asked whether the A259 and other key road could bear the strain of the additional housing, adding: “Approval of this application would be premature.”